Jessica Chastain's silly country-music Taken
A.V. Club • • entertainment
Key Points:
- "Heartland," directed by Feste, explores the exploitation and challenges faced by women in the country music industry through the character Misty, a burnt-out former star fighting to rescue her niece.
- The film revisits themes from Feste’s "Country Strong," highlighting industry pressures, sexism, and personal struggles such as alcoholism and domestic abuse.
- Garrett Hedlund returns as Roy Combs, a subdued but influential country music executive who supports Misty amid the industry's corruption.
- Jessica Chastain, who plays Misty, delivers a compelling performance with dramatic and musical moments, though her singing is not the film’s strongest aspect.
- Balancing serious issues with moments of fun and suspense, "Heartland" blends country music culture, mystery, and social commentary into an engaging narrative.
